Dr. Roger Samuel DAYER

DAYER - Dr. Roger Samuel
The faithful and devoted husband of Roberta Allbert Dayer, died suddenly on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Fox Run, Orchard Park, NY. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Lawrence Eugene Dayer (Lisa Barber), Cynthia Dayer Erb (Stephen) of San Diego, CA, and Roger Edward Dayer (Iris Hanna) of Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Dr. Dayer and his wife also were blessed with six grandchildren: Joseph Lawrence Dayer, Natalie Erb Graves, Daniel Erb and Thomas Erb, Kyla and Brianna Dayer (identical twins) and two great-grandchildren: Henry and Michaela Graves. Also survived by a sister-in-law, Margaret Clarke, (John, deceased) a brother-in-law, Roy Rogers of Los Altos, CA, (Ruth E. deceased) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Lawrence and Donald Dayer, and a sister, Marjorie Dayer Kennedy. Roger was a quiet, gentle person, but also a determined competitor. He graduated from School #66, and played varsity football at Bennett High School, Nichols School, Williams College and University of Buffalo until he was admitted to the UB Medical School. He married Roberta in June, 1956, beginning a happy 67 year marriage. After receiving his MD in 1960, Roger did an internship and surgical residency at the Buffalo General Hospital. When he was drafted in 1967 for the Vietnam War at the age of 34, he became a Captain in the US Army and was assigned to Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia, where he, his wife and three children spent the next two years experiencing military and southern culture. Happily, Roger was able to play a lot of golf in addition to performing his surgical duties. Returning to Buffalo in 1969, Roger became a highly respected and well recognized member of the medical community as a clinical associate professor of the State University of Buffalo Medical School, assuming many leadership and administrative positions. He served as Associate Head of the Department of Surgery, President of the Buffalo Surgical Society, President of the Medical Staff and as a member of the Medical School's Admissions Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Physician Sector of the United Way of Erie County. Dr. Dayer also worked half-time at the Veteran's Hospital early in his career and served as the Medical Director of the Tri-County Hospital, Gowanda, NY from 1989-1992. In 1973, he volunteered to go to Vietnam where he served at a private hospital in Can Tho, South Vietnam. He later became a surgeon for Health Care Plan, while also serving as the Associate Director for Professional Affairs at the Buffalo General, where he continued until his retirement in 2001. Doctor Dayer was a member of the American College of Physician Executives, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He pioneered the colonoscopy treatment, being one of the first surgeons in Buffalo to perform this procedure. Roger's hobbies included stamp collecting, golf, bridge, music, books and travel. He was a member of the Cherry Hill Club (in Canada) and the Buffalo Club. He and his wife traveled to more than 40 countries. In 2014, Roger and Roberta moved to the Fox Run Continuing Care Community in Orchard Park where for nine years they enjoyed a happy life until his death. He had a valiant heart and was a blessing to all who knew him. Roger donated his body to the University at Buffalo's Anatomical Gift Program. A Memorial Service is planned for September in Buffalo when all friends and family members can attend. Memorial gifts may be given to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra or WNED PBS in Doctor Dayer's honor.